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Ian Snyder

Freelance Writer
Distance Traveled in 2026
Visited in 2026

Ian Snyder has had a passion for award travel ever since entering the miles and points world over a decade ago. He enjoys using them to see places both near and far, whether he’s traveling solo, with friends, or with his kids. Especially well versed in frequent flyer programs, Ian understands their intricacies and often is able to maximize his points using the best award deals.

Ian is closing in on 30 countries visited, which may seem like too few for someone who loves to travel as much as he does. But he also loves life in rural Northern California, and returning home from a trip is its own reward. More than anything, Ian wants to demonstrate that extraordinary travel is possible for the ordinary family. He loves helping his friends and family with their own award travel.

Travel Summary
34 Airline Award Ticket Cancellation Rules: Which Airlines Let You Get Your Miles Back — And the Fees for Each
34 Airline Award Ticket Cancellation Rules: Which Airlines Let You Get Your Miles Back — And the Fees for Each
44

It’s often necessary to book award flights months in advance to secure your seat. With such a long period between the date you book and the date you fly, it’s easy for your plans to change. In case you need to adjust your ticket, here's a list of award ticket change and cancellation policies and the fees you can expect to pay.

Shawn GallagherIan Snyder
Shawn Gallagher & Ian Snyder

Reviewed by JT Genter

IHG One Rewards Guide: How To Earn, Redeem, and Get the Most From IHG Points
IHG One Rewards Guide: How To Earn, Redeem, and Get the Most From IHG Points
13

With over 7,000 properties in over 100 countries around the world, IHG hotels are ubiquitous. Thanks to generous promotions, reasonable award rates, and a great credit card portfolio, IHG One Rewards is a favorite hotel loyalty program for many. In this post, we cover everything you need to know about the program — from how to earn and redeem points to program features and elite status.

Ian Snyder
Ian Snyder

Reviewed by Toni Southam

Wyndham Earner Business Card Review: Underrated for Points Earnings, Award Discounts, Elite Status
Wyndham Earner Business Card Review: Underrated for Points Earnings, Award Discounts, Elite Status
2

The Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Business Card punches above its weight when you consider how much value it brings to the table. With 15,000 annual bonus points, an up to 20% discount on award bookings, and an excellent earning rate on gas purchases, it more than justifies its $149 annual fee. Plus, you can get the most out of your points by using them for vacation rentals. Learn more in our detailed review.

Ian SnyderJon Nickel-D'Andrea
Ian Snyder & Jon Nickel-D'Andrea

Reviewed by JT Genter

Amex Refer a Friend Program: Earn Bonus Points or Cash Back on Card Referrals
Amex Refer a Friend Program: Earn Bonus Points or Cash Back on Card Referrals
3

American Express allows Card Members to refer their cards to others in exchange for bonus points, miles, or cash back. While there’s an annual cap on the number of referrals you can send, that limit resets each calendar year. In this post, we’ll break down how Amex referral bonuses work and how to generate personalized links to share with family and friends.

Ian SnyderHarrison Pierce
Ian Snyder & Harrison Pierce

Reviewed by Tyler Glatt

Understanding Rewards Credit Card Application Rules and Restrictions [2026]
Understanding Rewards Credit Card Application Rules and Restrictions [2026]
128

Wondering which credit card you can apply for next? Issuer rules vary widely — and much of the information out there is incomplete or unpublished. This guide breaks down major bank credit card application restrictions, including Chase’s 5/24 rule and which issuers expect you to have a checking account. We’ve compiled what’s known, plus community data points, all in one place.

Ian Snyder
Ian Snyder

Reviewed by JT Genter

Why Starting With Chase Cards Matters if You’re Under 5/24
Why Starting With Chase Cards Matters if You’re Under 5/24
1

If you're new to the points and miles hobby or looking to dive deeper after just dipping your toes in, you'll want to develop a solid earning strategy. This applies to both welcome offers and ongoing rewards. To do so, you need to understand the rules and restrictions card issuers have in place. With Chase offering so many lucrative bonuses, we recommend designing your credit card strategy around their 5/24 rule. Here's how you best do that, and the potential cost of ignoring this unwritten rule.

Ian Snyder
Ian Snyder

Reviewed by Toni Southam

Your Comprehensive Guide to the Hilton Honors Program
Your Comprehensive Guide to the Hilton Honors Program
21

Hilton Honors is an excellent hotel loyalty program, thanks to the ability to quickly rack up points from stays and promotions, a suite of excellent co-branded credit cards, and a solid elite program. In this post, you'll learn how to earn and redeem points for top value, the benefits of getting Hilton's elite status, and some shortcuts on how to get it. Let's look at everything Hilton Honors.

Ian SnyderMark Jackson
Ian Snyder & Mark Jackson

Reviewed by Toni Southam

Chase Transfer Partners: A Complete Guide to the Best Way To Redeem Ultimate Rewards
Chase Transfer Partners: A Complete Guide to the Best Way To Redeem Ultimate Rewards
42

While you can get decent value by using Ultimate Rewards points directly for travel through the portal, Chase transfer partners unlock even greater savings that can’t be attained with other redemption strategies. In this guide, we'll cover the :chase_partners_total: Ultimate Rewards airline and hotel partners with examples of maximizing your savings for any type of trip.

Ian SnyderSenitra Horbrook
Ian Snyder & Senitra Horbrook

Reviewed by Toni Southam